I can’t help the laugh that bursts out as I pull out of my parking spot. “I don’t think you have to worry about that.”
“How long has this been going on. I just saw you two days ago.”
“Since last night. He told me how he felt about me after dinner Sunday, but the way he shows up without any prompting is what won me over.”
“Good. As long as he makes you happy, I’m good with it.” There’s a rustling sound before he speaks again. “I was actually coming by his place tonight. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. Hopefully, he’s making something good for dinner and not feeding you frozen dinners.”
“You realize I’m fully capable of making my own dinners. I’ve been doing it for years.”
“I know, but why not let someone else take care of you for a while. You’ve taken care of other people for so long. It’s your turn.”
That’s exactly what Peter has been doing…since I came back to town.
“If you say so. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye, sis.”
I end the call and continue driving toward Peter’s house. Knowing my brother isn’t mad about the two of us dating eases a fear I didn’t realize I had until I blurted out the words.
To my shock, Peter’s truck is already in the driveway when I get there. I was under the impression that he worked late most days. At least, that’s what my brother told me. It’s not a bad thing, I just don’t want him to change everything because we’re dating or living with him for the time being.
Before I’m out of the car, Lexi runs outside in yoga pants and a hoodie. How is she not freezing? “Put on some warmer clothes. You’re going to get sick.”
She waves away my concern. “There’s a surprise inside, but I need to cover your eyes before you go in. We need the full effect.”
We? What have she and Peter done now? I’m never going to survive them if they keep teaming up on things. Though I don’t think he knew Lexi orchestrated the alone time last night until she said something.
“What did the two of you do?” I don’t even know why I asked the question. It’s not like she’s going to tell me.
“You’ll see.” She claps her hands together and jumps. I think it might be from a mixture of excitement and trying to warm up. “Obviously, you can keep your eyes open until we get to the door. But then, my hands go in front of them.”
There’s no use arguing. I hurry to the door if only to keep my child from getting sick since she isn’t displaying any form common sense when it comes to outwear.
As soon as I turn the knob and take a step inside, her hands fly over my eyes. “Can you see anything?”
“Nope. But let me slide my shoes off before we move.”
“Hurry.” Whatever it is she wants to show me must be big because she only shows this much emotion over books and music. I slip my shoes off and wait for further instructions. “Now take small steps straight forward. Then I’ll turn you in the direction you need to go.”
I’m trusting she isn’t going to make me fall flat on my face. That would put a damper on their surprise. I do as she asks and stop after she turns my body to the left.
“You can open your eyes now.” Peter’s voice is right next to me.
Lexi lifts her hands form my eyes and I gasp. The dinette that was sitting in this space this morning is gone. In its place is a kitchen table that will fit at least six people. It makes the dining area look full. Which isn’t a bad thing considering it looked lopsided with that sad little table in the middle.
“What? When? Where did the other table go?” The questions tumble out of my mouth.
Peter laughs and Lexi squeals. “Isn’t it beautiful? No more eating on the floor.”
I move forward and run my hands along the dark brown wood. It fits with the whole log cabin thing he has going on here. It’s brand freaking new.
Peter moves beside and pulls me into a hug. “Do you like it?”
“Yes. But why? It’s not like we’re going to be here forever. You didn’t have to change anything.”
He stares down at me as if I’ve just asked a ridiculous question. “Because it’ll be nice to eat dinner together at a table. The coffee table worked when it was just me. But I see a lot of dinners in our future. Plus, it’s harder for Alice to jump up and try to eat any leftovers.”
“Wait, Alice did what?” Lexi asks.
